Prevalence, practice, and determinants of self-medication among the common public in a village of Northern Kerala, India

Background: Self-medication, managing health issues without professional guidance, poses significant risks to individuals and public health. Prevalence rates vary globally, often higher in low-income countries due to limited healthcare access. While self-medication offers cost-effective solutions for minor ailments, it may lead to misuse, adverse effects and financial burdens. Identifying factors driving self-medication is crucial for tailored interventions. This study aims to assess self-medication prevalence, practice, and influencing factors in a Kerala village. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study included 212 participants (≥18 years) selected via convenient sampling. A pre-tested questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, self-medication prevalence, and influencing factors. Self-medication was defined as OTC drug use without consulting a medical graduate. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, with chi-square tests for bivariate analysis (p≤0.05). Results: Participants (mean age: 38.13±15.56) reported 53.8% self-medication. Acute illness individuals self-medicated more (80.7% purchased from independent pharmacies). Time constraints (24.5%) and expired prescriptions (42.1%) drove self-medication. Medication choice was influenced by cost (54.3%), brand reputation (21.1%), and both (24.6%), with pharmacist recommendations (36.0%) playing a role. Self-medication was common among ages 41-60 (64.3%) and those with lower education levels (77.8% primary, 70.5% middle). Acute illness individuals self-medicated more (66%) than chronic cases (34%). Conclusions: This rural Kerala study identifies a 53.8% self-medication rate, affected by age, education, and healthcare preferences. Targeted interventions are needed for ethical self-medication and improved healthcare practices

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Not AvailableSilicon is considered as a beneficial element for crop nutrition especially for monocots. In order to study the effect of addition of different silica sources on the nutrient release pattern from an Entisol, a laboratory incubation study was conducted with three silica sources viz., sodium silicate, calcium silicate, and potassium silicate each @ 200 ppm and 400 ppm per kilo gram soil. The positive effect of addition of silicates was obvious on soil reaction, available Si, P, K, Ca, and Mg. Release of plant available silicon was the highest at 60th day after incubation (DAI) with potassium silicate @ 400 ppm per kg soil. Sodium silicate @ 200 ppm resulted in the highest exchangeable magnesium concentration at 45th DAI. The result of the study implies the positive influence of silicates on soil acidity as well as on enhancing the availability of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in an Entisol.Not Availabl